Yankees manager Aaron Boone and Astros skipper A.J. Hinch each spoke with the media today and divulged the upcoming starting pitching plans of their respective organizations. The teams have each named starters through the first three contests in the American League Championship Series.
Game 1, tomorrow night in Houston, will feature Masahiro Tanaka and Zack Greinke. The 30-year-old Tanaka has had his share of ups and downs in recent seasons, but turned in a strong effort against the Twins in the ALDS (one earned run in five innings with seven strikeouts and one walk). Greinke, who was acquired with a series like this in mind, struggled badly in his first postseason showing with his new team. But he’s one of the game’s most experienced hurlers and remains vested with quite a lot of trust.
Thereafter, the clubs will turn the ball over to their best starters. James Paxton goes against Justin Verlander in game 2, while Luis Severino will square off against Gerrit Cole in game 3, the first contest at Yankee Stadium. There’s little doubt that Houston’s co-aces have the advantage on paper, but the Yankees duo is also amply talented.
Each of the six pitchers listed above will be faced with a massive challenge. As Greinke put it today, in typically dry manner, “it’s tough to get good hitters out than not as good hitters.” Both lineups (and benches) are loaded with good hitters.
Unless these starters can fill up a lot of frames, the two teams’ bullpens could end up getting a workout as well. That has the potential to make things quite interesting in game 4. Neither team has a clear, high-end starting option ready to run out after their top three arms. Even if the Astros roll with Jose Urquidy, he’ll be going on a short leash with expectations of leaning on multiple relievers. While the Yankees can get some length from Luis Cessa and/or Jonathan Loaisiga, they’ll likely be attempting a true bullpen game in a high-stakes situation.
Tanaka has had his ups and downs in recent years? You guys do realize in his career in major-league baseball in October Tanaka has a 1.58 career ERA.
How does that contradict that he’s had his ups and downs?
I don’t think he specified October. Just in general, reg season included. Much better than average, though. Very capable of winning this game.
0-2 against Houston. Suspiciously.
0-3 soon
The Yankees starters know they only need to go 5 innings strong before handing it over to one of the most stacked bullpens in history.
That gives an elbow like Tanaka some much needed confidence to unleash maximized performances.
Against Greinke? Nah, Yanks win game 1 and seal it in 5. Houston won’t win a game in NY.
Sevy v. CY winner Cole…..yeah that’s a great matchup for the Yankees?
Anything can happen.
How does that crow taste? Haha enjoy the salty tears yankee fans you’re fan base is complete garbage
Your *
Why even play the WS, this is gonna be good!
What WS?
This is the World Series the other two are there for show
Lol
The Astros are a legit elite team. But I think the Yankee hitters can score off of them. Let’s hope that Paxton, Tanaka and Severino have the hot hand and the bullpen does it’s job.
Let’s not….
I agree with the “Let’s not….”
Ditto
I must say, Verlander and Cole in Houston on full rest for games 6 and 7 are a huge advantage for the Astros.
Bingo
Exactly. That’s why the Yanks need to get one in Houston, then all 3 at the stadium, and not go back to Houston. Only way they win the series. Otherwise it will be like 2017 all over again.
As Mr. Bill would say emphatically, “Noooooooo!” Go Astros!
It depends on what balls they use for the games. In the 2017 post season that introduced a slick ball that took away the slider grip. This regular season they used a bouncy ball. If they marry the slick ball design with the bouncy ball guts, then it will be a war between bombers and the pitching side will be decided by fresh flames from bullpens.
That scenario favors the Yankees.
We clinched early our arms are well rested just hoped we are not rusty from lay off.
This is going to be one tough and epic series, I can feel it. Let’s go Yankees!
I hate both teams but I’m thinking Yankees in 7. They’re hungry and have the bullpen for a long series.
Everyone outside of New York has been waiting for the Yankees to realize they are a team of replacement players squeezing out insane results. If they win it with this injury depleted roster, it will mark another epic change in baseball dynamics.
Everyone will scrap the big money contracts and follow the Yankee way of focusing on player psychology as a basis for development.
Honestly the Rays have been doing this for awhile now
Yankees and their low payroll of over $200 million wow so impressive how they’re able to win without big money contracts if only a team like the As or Rays could win without spending tons of money
I guess we will see if those starters for the Yankees with ERA’s over 4 minus Paxton will hold up through the first 3 innings so they can get to their bullpen. Let go Stros!!!
Let go of what?
Let go of their season. This is the year of the Yanks.
I love how this lines. I hope Greinke and JV have bounce back games at home. Then, Cole can destroy the Yanks in NY. The matchups favor a 3-0 possibly. Of course, it might not happen, but I like my team.
Greinke is gonna get lit up. Yanks in 5.
really dumb comment overall.
Whats dumb about it Zack himself said he hates pitching in New York
Hey dope 84-don’t connect two sentences with “But”. That shows that you are not fully committed. “And” connects two thoughts that belong together, which clearly you are incapable of creating.
Whats dumb about it Zack himself said he hates pitching in New York
And that was said by Zack with the thought of the NY crowd behind him. Of course that’s only if you produce, and as was the case last night, the Astros fans should have been giving him the Bronx cheer.
As with the case with all Sports that I follow once my team either never gets in or gets eliminated my attention goes to the next sports leagues/my team so I no longer care who wins out as I will no longer watch the MLB playoffs. Hockey & Football now! Till Spring Training peace!
Astros have that three headed monster rotation : Verlander
(future Hall of Famer and Yankee killer in playoffs with both Tigers and Astros),
Cole (AL Cy Young this year),
and Greneike (sp)
a #1 on most MLB teams.
Yankees just don’t match up with starting pitching…
Great bullpen though.
(both teams can hit..but great
pitching beats great hitting)
0000, now I know what you added so many zero’s to your name—
Right if you say so lol!
That is the best you have?!
You have nothing intelligent to say?!